Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Mon Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2012)

Two veteran storytellers give one of mythology's greatest warriors his due in a narrative rich in drama, tragedy, intense emotion and heroic feats of arms. Thoroughly recast from an award-winning audio version (2004; included with the hardcover edition), this companion to the authors' Adventures of Odysseus (illustrated by Christina Balit, 2006) retells the classic tale of Achilles' meteoric career in staccato, muscular prose. "He was fed on the marrow of bears to make him strong, the guts of lions to make him fierce, and the milk of deer to make him swift." Stylized border and panel paintings of gods and mortals seen in profile or posed groups are reminiscent of figures on ancient Greek vases. The profound attachment between Achilles and Patroclus (begun during the former's five-year stint disguised as a woman and ending with their ashes mingled in the same funerary urn) forms the emotional centerpiece of the tale. Otherwise, veiled behind lines like "they took their delight of one another," the sex among the large cast of gods and mortals is less explicit than the battle action before and within Troy's walls. Echoes of Homeric language can be found in references to Zeus, the "Cloud Compeller," "ox-eyed Hera" and the like. Despite its particular focus on Achilles, this compelling narrative delivers a reasonably complete picture of the Trojan War's causes, course and violent end. Epic in deed and scope and a-bustle with larger-than-life characters, this retelling of the Iliad will rivet both readers and listening audiences. (bibliography) (Folktale/mythology. 11-14)

ALA Booklist (Mon Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2012)

For centuries, people of all ages have been fascinated with the myths of the ancient Greek gods. Lupton, a sought-after British storyteller, and Morden, a Welsh storyteller, use their practiced styles to bring the childhood, youth, prowess, and death of Achilles to life. The first four chapters introduce all the characters, both immortal and mortal, who play a significant role in the long war (see chapters 5 12) between the Greeks and citizens of Troy. Achilles, the son of King Peleus and Thetis, is the primary character, though major gods and goddesses interfere at every turn. Hénaff's color illustrations are done in a style to replicate the ancients, while her detailed facial expressions add wit. The book has no glossary or identifying list of characters, so either bone up beforehand or read it quickly for fun and don't worry about remembering all the names. Readers who grew up with the d'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths (1962) and those hooked on Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series will find this a fun read.

Horn Book (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2013)

Two practiced British storytellers focus on the titular warrior for a succinct account of the Trojan War, supplementing Homer's Iliad with other ancient sources (an author's note would have helped). Expertly honed language moves the events along swiftly. Acrylic illustrations, bright with Attic red and Aegean blue, recall ancient Greek art and second the meaning of the text without competing with it.

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Two veteran storytellers give one of mythology's greatest warriors his due in a narrative rich in drama, tragedy, intense emotion and heroic feats of arms. Thoroughly recast from an award-winning audio version (2004; included with the hardcover edition), this companion to the authors' Adventures of Odysseus (illustrated by Christina Balit, 2006) retells the classic tale of Achilles' meteoric career in staccato, muscular prose. "He was fed on the marrow of bears to make him strong, the guts of lions to make him fierce, and the milk of deer to make him swift." Stylized border and panel paintings of gods and mortals seen in profile or posed groups are reminiscent of figures on ancient Greek vases. The profound attachment between Achilles and Patroclus (begun during the former's five-year stint disguised as a woman and ending with their ashes mingled in the same funerary urn) forms the emotional centerpiece of the tale. Otherwise, veiled behind lines like "they took their delight of one another," the sex among the large cast of gods and mortals is less explicit than the battle action before and within Troy's walls. Echoes of Homeric language can be found in references to Zeus, the "Cloud Compeller," "ox-eyed Hera" and the like. Despite its particular focus on Achilles, this compelling narrative delivers a reasonably complete picture of the Trojan War's causes, course and violent end. Epic in deed and scope and a-bustle with larger-than-life characters, this retelling of the Iliad will rivet both readers and listening audiences. (bibliography) (Folktale/mythology. 11-14)

School Library Journal (Mon Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2012)

Gr 6-8 While many kids might be familiar with the gods and heroes featured in the Iliad , they may not know how these characters relate to one another and, indeed, how the story actually plays out. To remedy that, two noted storytellers pair with an award-winning illustrator to adapt the story into 12 beautifully designed chapters and an epilogue. The focus is on the legendary warrior Achilles, beginning with his birth and childhood, his entry into the Trojan War, and his life as a soldier. Some chapters expertly cut away to introduce other players, like Paris and Helen, or Hector and Priam, and show how the machinations of the gods affect the story. Throughout, the writing style easily switches between florid prose and functional plot-driven narrative to capture the mood of the adventure at hand while making sure kids can follow what is happening and why. While the storytelling is simplified when necessary, the content is anything but: details of the violence of the Trojan War, as well as the sexual escapades of the gods are included, and underlying themes of the story, like the role of fate and luck, are presented again and again. Each chapter is heavily illustrated, giving at least a quarter of each page to dreamlike images that reinforce the mythological feel of the story. The images focus on characters depicted against scenes of nature, home, or war, all using acrylics to mimic the look of ancient Greek and Roman art, with rounded shapes, swirls, and muted colors that somehow brighten the page. A good choice for libraries where the epics and myths of ancient Greece are popular. Heather Talty, formerly at Columbia Grammar &; Preparatory School, New York City